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617: How to Make College Fairs Work for You

617: How to Make College Fairs Work for You

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 Megan and Erin break down how students and families can turn college fairs into a genuinely useful part of the college search process. Drawing on both student and admissions-side perspectives, they emphasize that preparation, smart engagement, and follow-up are what separate an overwhelming fair from a productive one. The conversation covers how to approach admissions representatives, what kinds of questions actually matter, and how to use college fairs to start meaningful connections with schools. Key Tips for Maximizing College Fairs Prepare in advance Research participating colleges ahead of time and identify schools you want to prioritize. Register early, bring a fully charged phone or charger, and consider bringing a notebook or using your phone to take notes. Know basic facts so you can ask questions that go beyond what's on the website. Be strategic at the fair Start with less crowded booths to build confidence, especially for younger students. Listen in on conversations at busy booths to learn common questions and useful answers. Talk to admissions representatives who are alumni or current students when possible for more authentic insights. Ask smart, specific questions Focus on topics that aren't easily Googleable, such as campus culture, student support services, research or internship access, and typical class schedules. Ask questions that help you understand fit, including geography, climate, and day-to-day student life. Engage thoughtfully Take notes during or immediately after conversations to remember key details. Be respectful of representatives' time while still showing genuine interest. Follow up after the fair Send a brief, personalized email to admissions representatives you connected with. Reference your conversation to reinforce interest and begin building a relationship. Overall, Megan and Erin emphasize that college fairs are most valuable when students approach them with intention. With the right preparation and follow-up, these events can provide clarity, confidence, and meaningful connections in the college search process. Here are some resources for finding fairs in your area: Colleges That Change Lives: https://ctcl.org/info-sessions/ NACAC: https://www.nacacnet.org/wp-content/uploads/NCF-Spring-2026-Schedule.pdf Music: https://www.musicadmissionsroundtable.org/collegefairs Thespians: https://www.aada.edu/news-events/college-fairs-thespian-festivals/ Questions? If you have questions, feedback, or ideas for an upcomming show, we'd love to hear from you. You can email us at collegepreppodcast (at) gmail (dot) com More about the hosts Megan Dorsey is a parent, educator, and SAT/ACT prep expert. She graduated from Rice University and has over 25 years of experience helping students earn better scores and put together strong applications. Megan lives in Sugar Land, Texas and works with students in-person and on Zoom. You can find out more at CollegePrepResults.com. Erin Tempest is the founder of Seattle Success Coaching where she and her team help families with a wide range of issues. Let Erin take the frustration out of learning with her academic support, exectuvie function coaching, and social/life skills packages. Her goal is to help parents get back to enjoying their kids. You can find out more at SeattleSuccessCoaching.com.
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